Thought London’s busiest shopping street was all Pizza Huts and Maccy D’s when it comes to food? Think again. Oxford Street’s restaurants have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years with everything from ever-changing rooftop pop-ups to in-store restaurants that boast a crystal encrusted 30ft pegasus. With Christmas shopping season in full swing, here are our top picks to book into for some post or pre-shopping R&R.
Aqua Nueva
Just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, Aqua Nueva offers decadent small plates with panoramic views of central London. While the menu might read Spanish, the interiors are anything but rickety old tapas restaurant. Think luxe dark woods, sexy lighting and a shimmering gold tiled bar. Their take on tapas is modern too, with some dishes that are as Instagrammable as they are tasty. Spiced crab tostadas, suckling pig tacos and burnt Catalan cream with blood orange sorbet are just a few we love. Yum.
Where: 30 Argyll Street, London W1F 7EB, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (0.1 miles)
Website: www.aquanueva.co.uk
Arthur's at Liberty
Arthur’s restaurant has just opened in, what we like to think is, London’s best department store. At Liberty’s take a break from browsing their incredible curated collections, from cult beauty buys to an eclectic mix of homeware, in the new eatery. Sink into plush teal banquettes and order a changing menu of tasty, seasonal British fair.
Where: Liberty London, Regent St, Soho, W1B 5AH
Website: www.libertylondon.com
Mac and Wild
If whisky drams and rich game dishes are your vibe, head to Mac and Wild on Great Titchfield Street for a post-shopping feast. The Scottish restaurant celebrates everything north of the border, from their famous venison roasts to seriously good cured salmon and the Venimoo burger – a double threat mix of beef and venison topped with bacon, dripping cheese and mouthwatering sauces.
Where: Mac and Wild, 65 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PS
Website: www.macandwild.com
Percy & Founders
Whether you’re after a quiet spot to catch up on work emails or a lively kitchen table to watch all the chef action, Percy & Founders has it all. Just a five minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, it’s a sprawling space – which means you can usually get a table. Food-wise there’s something for everyone from decadent oysters, to juicy grills and superfood packed salads.
Where: Fitzroy Place, 1 Pearson Square, London, W1W 7EY
Nearest station: Goodge Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.percyandfounders.co.uk
Sakagura
Hidden on Heddon Street lies Sakagura, one of our favourite Japanese restaurants in Central London. There’s an element of do-it-yourself here thanks to the ishiyaki stones that you can grill succulent wagyu beef on to whichever rareness you like, or the Sumibi Yakiniku BBQ which can be ordered for a minimum of two people, to grill up your own meats, fish and veg for an authentic Japanese experience. There are plenty of tasty delicious dishes on the menu that the actual chefs will cook for you too if you’re not into DIY, from fresh sushi to tasty yakatori.
Where: 8 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BS, UK
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.4 miles)
Website: www.sakaguralondon.com
